The Storm Prediction Center says there is a high probability of tornadoes (a level 5 out of 5) for parts of the south. This is the worst and highest forecast forecast for severe storms. And while it’s very rare for the SPC to issue such prospects, it’s now the second time in a week for the South.
The SPC warns of “several long-haul tornadoes, destructive winds and very large hail forecasts from the Lower Mississippi Valley, eastward through parts of the southeast and north into the Tennessee and Ohio valleys. “.
Some of the widespread winds will be “the strength of hurricanes,” the SPC said, while some areas may see hail that is the “size of baseball.”
Long-haul tornadoes are tornadoes that lie on the ground for an extended period of time. Most tornadoes are on the ground for a few minutes, but with some serious events, there may be tornadoes for hours. This type of tornado is known to cause widespread damage.
More than a million people are under high threat from tornadoes, including cities like Decatur and Madison in Alabama and Florence in Mississippi.
More than seven million people are in areas with moderate tornado threat (a level 4 out of 5), including Memphis and Nashville in Tennessee, Birmingham and Huntsville in Alabama and Jackson, Mississippi.
“Ingredients will be combined Thursday for another severe weather outbreak in the south,” CNN meteorologist Chad Myers said. “The very humid Gulf of Mexico air combined with a strong upward movement will create several severe weather rounds, including rotating storms that could produce tornadoes.”
Last week there were ingredients and tornadoes developed, but not as strong as the predictors thought possible. None of the 49 tornadoes were stronger than an EF-2 on a scale of 0 to 5.
Although there were the right atmospheric ingredients, they were not mixed accurately enough to produce the violent tornadoes expected last Thursday.
“It’s like you put too many carrots in the chicken soup, you end up getting a sweet carrot soup and not chicken soup,” Myers said.
The threats are maximum this afternoon and tonight
Severe storms will focus Thursday across the deep south as the severe storm risk area is likely to widen and become more significant. Strong storms will be possible from the Gulf Coast to northern Ohio.
A couple of stronger storms could be possible in this risk zone Thursday morning, but the most active weather will begin in the afternoon when several supercell storms can form.
“Right now, it looks like the best potential for strong tornadoes extends from parts of the central / northern MS to the west / middle TN and central / northern AL, mostly Thursday afternoon and in the evening, as storms generally move to the northeast, ”the SPC said Wednesday afternoon.
The forecast shows that atmospheric conditions will be mature and “support supercells with low-level mesocyclones capable of producing strong tornadoes and large hail,” the SPC said.
And they’re not just tornadoes – more than six million people were under an early Thursday flood clock in various parts of Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina. Rain of up to four centimeters is expected in the region, with some areas with higher amounts.
On Thursday night, storms are expected to evolve toward a line as it heads toward parts of Alabama and Georgia. By Friday, most of the south should dry up, except for parts of Georgia and the Carolinas, where isolated showers and storms could persist.
School systems change plans due to the weather
School districts across the region are changing plans, firing students early, going to online learning and canceling classes before Thursday’s severe weather.
In Alabama, Anniston City Schools told parents through social media that students would have an E-day on Thursday. Schools in the city of Gadsden announced they would close due to storms.
Huntsville City Schools fire students early. Tuscaloosa County schools announced that they would have a day of remote learning throughout the system. Birmingham city schools are also planning a full remote day for Thursday.
Demopolis City and Limestone County officials also announced plans to fire classes early.
“If for some reason students don’t have electricity or internet, they will be able to compensate for the work,” school district officials posted on social media. “The domes of each campus will also be open tomorrow if anyone needs shelter.”
CNN’s Robert Shackelford and Dave Alsup contributed to this report.